Joseph Turner Stover Jr.

Joseph Turner Stover Jr., lovingly known as Jody, Uncle Joe, JT, Joseph, Daddy, Dad, and Big Poppa, bid us farewell with his unique charm and wit on Monday, May 22, 2023, in Riverside, CA. Born on September 14, 1949, in San Francisco, CA, at the Presidio Army Base, Jody was the eldest of five children, and he made sure to remind his siblings of his honorary title whenever possible.

As an army brat, Jody's sense of adventure developed after traveling to various places with his family, from Monterrey, CA, to Germany (twice!). He had an affinity for pretzels and couldn't resist uttering a heartfelt "gesundheit" whenever someone sneezed. Despite moving around a lot, Jody managed to graduate from Rubidoux High School in 1967, leaving a trail of model airplanes and sweet clarinet tunes from his time in the high school band.

After high school, Joe embarked on a career with Pacific Phone Company, where his work ethic shone brighter than the sun in Orange County. Commuting diligently each day, he dedicated himself to the job for many years. Eventually, Joe ventured into entrepreneurship, partnering with a friend to start his own company. He later returned to school to expand his knowledge of modern phone systems and became an expert in fixing and installing advanced technologies. Joe retired from XO Communications in 2010, following a stroke, but not before leaving an indelible mark on his co-workers.

In matters of the heart, Joe’s story had its twists and turns. He met his first wife in junior high school and even swept her off her feet at the prom. They tied the knot in 1969, settled in a cozy house in San Bernardino, and welcomed a daughter. Although their paths diverged shortly after, they remained close friends. Joseph found love again in the arms of his second wife and they married in 1981. Together, they built a life in Riverside and joyfully raised a son and a daughter until the end of his days.

JT was a true adventurer, with an insatiable love for the great outdoors. Fishing, camping, hunting, hiking, swimming, biking—the list goes on. In the 1970s, he joined the People's Choice Van club and poured his heart into tricking out his beloved blue Van. Countless stories exist of unforgettable van runs and epic road trips that echoed with laughter and camaraderie. In the 1980s, he defied expectations and embraced skiing as a member of a black ski club, where he reveled in the snowy slopes. JT also dabbled in slow pitch softball with his coworkers and dedicated 3 years of his life as a cub scout leader in the 1990s, leaving an everlasting impression on young hearts.

When he wasn't catching fish or going on road trips, Joe had a few more tricks up his sleeve. He was an avid sports enthusiast, particularly football, and could be found cheering on his favorite teams during the entire season. And let's not forget the early mornings spent perfecting his golf swing with friends, followed by loud music blasting from his extensive record collection on Saturday and Sunday mornings. A master of the grill, Joe took immense pride in barbecuing and refining his secret sauce. He had a knack for delivering a good joke, or two, or twenty, and his laughter was contagious.

Joseph leaves behind his beloved wife, Dewanda Johnson Stover, and his three adoring children: Gabriel Nanette, Joel Thomas, daughter-in-law Jenny Joy, and Zelma Janiece. Big Poppa held a special place in his heart for his nine cherished grandchildren: Aubreana Amelion Stover-Green, Hazel Bashir Stover-White, Jaela Monet Rance, Levi Turner Rance, Zayden Julian Rance, Edelweiss Atalie Stover, Jeremiah Tirol Stover, Tobias Bexar Stover, and Amaryllis Joy Stover. He will forever be remembered by his sister, Doreen Bryant, and brother, Wallace Edward Stover. Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Turner Stover Sr. and Patricia Janiece Brown, as well as two siblings, Michael Emil (Mafo) Stover and Cassandra Ann (Imani) Stover. Additionally, he leaves behind a legion of nieces and nephews who adored their Uncle Joe and his infectious smile.

Jody, Uncle Joe, JT, Joseph, Daddy, Dad, Big Poppa—we all knew him by different names, but there was only one Joseph Turner Stover Jr. His spirit of adventure, humor, and love will continue to live on in our hearts. And somewhere out there, in the vastness of the universe, he is probably making someone sneeze and giving them a heartfelt "gesundheit" from beyond. Rest in peace, dear Joseph. You will be sorely missed and lovingly remembered.

A viewing for Joseph will be held from 4:00pm to 8:00pm on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 and a Chapel service at 1:00pm on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 both at Cypress Chapel, 24145 Barton Rd, Loma Linda, CA 92354. Joseph will be laid to rest thereafter at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Cemetery, 3510 E Washington St, Colton, CA 92324.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.montecitomemorialparkandmortuary.com for the Stover Jr. family.